title: Evaluation of sexual health medicine teaching at medical schools in Australia and New Zealand.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the absence of guidelines for sexual health medicine (SHM) curriculum for medical schools in Australia and New Zealand, little is known about the current curriculum. We therefore, sought to quantitatively and qualitatively measure the existing SHM teaching at medical schools in the region.
  
  
  METHODS
  SHM specialists and Deans (or their nominated delegates) were requested to complete a questionnaire with respect to the SHM teaching in their associated medical schools.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-two specialists completed the questionnaire. Wide variations were found in the time spent on various topics in SHM. 'Training to teach' was found to be a major unmet need of SHM specialists. Four (16.7%) of 24 medical schools completed the questionnaire. The total time allocated to SHM in these medical schools varied from 13.6 to 39.0 h, with a median of 31.1 h. At least 70% of key SHM topics were covered in all curricula.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SHM teaching varied markedly in terms of subject matter, allocated time and teaching modalities. National guidelines for the teaching of SHM to medical students could facilitate the development of more consistent standards within the medical workforce. Training in teaching and learning methods to specialists may improve dissemination of sexual health skills to the wider medical workforce.
authors.affiliation: Sexually Transmitted Infections Research Centre, University of Sydney, Marian Villa, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia. Sheena.Kaker@swahs.health.nsw.gov.au
authors.forename: Sheena R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Kakar
authors.forename: Shailendra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sawleshwarkar
authors.forename: Darren B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Hillman
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D003479:Curriculum; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005180:Faculty, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012577:Schools, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012736:Sex Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data